Networking: fraternity and sorority style

It is a well known fact that men and women involved in Greek life are great at socializing. From supporting the football team at tailgates to supporting a special cause through philanthropic events, the Greeks know how to climb the social ladder. Sounds like all fun and games, but this skill proves quite valuable when it comes time for finding a job.

Socializing is more than rooting for the football team, it is about meeting people and forming connections that will last even after college is over. This is a concept that fraternity and sorority members fully grasp as they form their own communities in the post graduate life.

"Being a part of the Greek system opens doors for students," said Rosemary Vestal, a recent alumnae of Delta Delta Delta at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "By pledging Greek, you automatically have something in common with hundreds of thousands of people from all different backgrounds and generations. "

Vestal, a Publicist at the University of Nebraska Press, used her Greek network to find a job not for herself, but for a fellow sister. She said that when the position opened up she immediately thought of her Tri Delta sisters and network.

"Of course, many came to mind, but I decided on one resume to give my director. Now I’m working with a sister," she said.

Using the Greek system as a means of networking allows job seekers a chance to connect with employers or other people that they may not have otherwise come in contact with.

Emily Giller, Tri Delta alumnae member said it is not only helpful within your own sorority or fraternity, but also among other Greek houses as well.

Giller, now the Exhibit Coordinator and Media Planner at the University of Nebraska Press is the lucky sister who found her job by keeping in contact with Vestal upon graduation.

She said that networking works because in the fast-paced world of today, only providing a piece of paper with your skills is no longer good enough when applying for a job.

"Employers want to hire someone with character, and who can attest to your character better than someone who knows you personally," Giller said.

Though it was perhaps a bit easier for Vestal and Giller to stay in touch since they are both recent graduates, it may not be the case for all. The Greek system has alumni chapters located throughout the United States and Canada. These chapters make it a little easier for members who have changed locations to keep in contact with other Greek members.

The alumni chapters are not the only way to reach out to those within the alumni community.

Tony Gevo, President of Gevo Associates, Inc., said to reach out by using e-mail or phone as well to introduce oneself and let them know where a person is at and what he or she is looking for.

"I'd then use the social networking resources to get some visibility to what's going on and to reach out to others in my area," he said. "They have many resources and a great attitude of serving!"

Although Gevo did not join the Greek system, he is a member of the Nebraska Alumni Association. The association allows graduates of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to connect with each other and the university.

"I didn't start networking with other alumni until I'd been away from the university for ten years and I regret that," he said.

When he was living in the Philadelphia area he went to Florida for business. He said while he was there he saw in the newspaper an announcement for a Husker gathering where huskers fans could watch the game together.

"At that point I was hooked! To be with fellow Huskers and share in their sense of community was almost overwhelming."

Upon returning from his business trip, Gevo organized an alumni chapter in Philadelphia.

"Being part of an alumni chapter has given me countless great times of fellowship, connecting with those from Nebraska and remembering what a life-changing event attending the University of Nebraska was," he said.